NEED Synonyms: 184 Similar and Opposite Words

need 1 of 2

verb

Definition of need

as in to require

to have as a requirement a national crisis that needs a strong leader to solve it

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to must

to be under necessity or obligation to you need not stand when she enters the room

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need

2 of 2

noun

ˈnēd

as in lack

a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful when it came time to wrap the presents, he found he was in need of adhesive tape

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in must

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable got a job that barely provided for his basic needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obligation

something one must do because of prior agreement no need to apologize

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in poverty

the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions donating money to help those in need

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of need

Verb

The controller takes the panel's fluctuating voltage and converts it into the steady voltage the battery needs to charge properly, so the whole setup runs solar panel → charge controller → battery, with only a small energy loss along the way. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 Researchers also need better control over transformation speed, durability, repeatability and operating conditions. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Noun

Donnelson hopes to raise more than the $1,500 minimum, with money going toward needs such as roof repairs and tree removal for residents without the resources to pay for the work themselves. — Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 That’s when parents might want to consider introducing them to the PG-13 movie, a film designed to meet the needs of tweens and teens without going too far into grown-up territory. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for need

Recent Examples of Synonyms for need

Verb

Matt Bevin has missed several court dates in the case and did not attend the May 29 hearing in person as required by the judge, appearing via Zoom instead.

— Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
Doing the math, that leaves two other units with residents who will have a say since allowing the foundation to take over the entire space would require changing the co-op’s bylaws, Richards said.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of require

Noun

This pilot is meant to address a gap the district saw in a lack of specialized personnel to provide prevention education, community engagement and intervention protocols for students using substances.

— Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026
As a result, Japan finds itself in a precarious position, caught between a lack of locals to fill roles in the workforce and a distrust of immigrants who can provide labor.

— Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of lack

Noun

Some have no down payment requirements, most have below-average interest rates and many come with lower closing costs and monthly payments, thanks to no PMI requirements.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
This allows individuals to evaluate the organization's mission, team dynamics, and actual time requirements.

— Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of requirement

Noun

He was born in abject poverty in rural Georgia, Pin Point, Georgia.

— NBC news, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
Corruption was endemic, and the country’s deeper troubles—its poverty, its social inequities, and the hopeless conditions that drive millions of Nepalis to emigrate for work—endured, laying the kindling for last year’s explosion.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of poverty

Verb

With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.

— Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of want

Noun

Kick the can If Congress fails to act, payments are expected to be 22% lower, which could be devastating for the millions of seniors who rely on their Social Security benefits to pay for basic necessities.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
The military used to understand that troops’ well-being was central to their ability to perform—and that improving the quality of life for those in the armed forces was not just a nicety, but a necessity.

— Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of necessity

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nectars

need

needed

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Style

“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/need. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of need

verb

noun

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